Nissan R383 is First Produced

The Nissan R383 was a race car built in 1970 by Nissan Motors that was planned for use in the 1970 Japanese Grand Prix.

Replacing the Nissan R382, it would be the final racing sportscar built by Nissan until the mid-1980s.

Wishing to expand on the R382's winning formula even further, the R383 borrowed heavily from Can-Am cars running the Group 7 formula in North America. The R383 would retain the GRX-3 5954cc V12 engine from the R382, yet would see power improved to 700hp.

Nissan concentrated on the aerodynamics however, with concentration on the downforce the car would be able to create. The venting on the nose of the R382 was removed, leaving the entire frontal area of the R383 flattened. This meant that the car's radiators were now moved to the sides of the car, with large vents placed in the car's doors. The air intake for the V12 engine was also aerodynamically redesigned, now being placed below the rollbar in order to allow more air to the rear wing, as well as slightly off center of the cockpit in order to avoid the driver's helmet blocking the intake.

The R383 was also tested with a turbocharger added to the V12 engine, allowing for an increase of output to 900hp.

The R383s were planned to be entered at the 1970 Japanese Grand Prix, against heavy competition from Porsche, Toyota, Isuzu, and others. However the race would be canceled by the Japanese Automobile Federation (JAF), leaving the R383 without anywhere to race. Nissan would cancel the R380 program soon after, meaning the R383 never raced.

In 2006, Nismo took up the task of restoring an R383 to working condition. The car currently runs at exhibition events alongside other cars in the R380 series.

Having won the 1969 Japan GP with the R382, Nissan began preparations for a new machine to compete in the 1970 Japan GP. The result was the R383, dubbed ''700 horsepower!'' Unfortunately, the 1970 Japan GP was cancelled and the R383, without a chance to demonstrate its prodigious ability, became a machine of legend. This commemorative car is a reconstruction (replica) used for motor shows.